BYD launches electric compact SUV Sealion 05

BYD premiered a new electric model of its Sealion series in China. The compact SUV called Sealion 05 EV is priced at 117,800 yuan in China, which is the equivalent of around 15,000 euros. The EV is also supposed to be exported globally.

BYD has introduced another entry-level model in China with the Sealion 05 EV. The rear-wheel-drive vehicle will be offered in three variants with different power outputs, among other things. The Sealion 05 EV joins BYD’s sub-brands and model families, which include the larger electric SUV, the Sealion 07 EV, and the partially electrified Sealion 05 DM-i. Prices for the new Sealion range from 117,800 to 137,800 yuan, depending on the variant, which is equivalent to around 15,000 to 17,600 euros.

Like its big brother, the Sealion 07, the new compact car is based on the BYD e-Platform 3.0 Evo vehicle platform and measures 4.52 x 1.86 x 1.63 metres with a wheelbase of 2.72 metres. In the entry-level version, the electric car has a 140 kW rear-wheel drive and an in-house LFP battery with 50.05 kWh for a CLTC range of 430 kilometres. The other two variants each come with a peak output of 160 kW and an LFP battery with 60.9 kWh for a CLTC range of 520 kilometres. When charging with DC, enough electricity should flow in 18 minutes to bring the battery from 30 to 80 per cent charge.

The two more expensive models differ mainly in terms of equipment. The new Sealion comes standard with BYD’s smart driving system called God’s Eye C, which does not require lidar and is thus a camera-based solution.

It is not clear whether the Sealion 05 will also hit the road in Europe. That is the case with the 4.83-metre-long Sealion 7, which electrive already got to test drive. You can read our review here.

carnewschina.com, cnevpost.com